Essential Nail Salon Supplies - 5 Essentials For a Great Nail Salon - NAIL SALON

Nail salons have become increasingly popular over the last several years. Competition is fierce, so having the "right stuff" can really pay off by attracting new clients and keeping them. Here are 5 products that can keep your salon ahead of the crowd.

Comfortable Furniture-A manicure or pedicure serves as a mini-vacation for many. And soft, inviting, and padded chairs that envelop a client can make a lasting impression.

Even while waiting, the chairs should be comfortable to make the wait less of an irritation, and more like the beginning of a great time.

All Things Sensual-Let's face it, manicures and pedicures are about the tactile-how things feel. So wonderful moisturizers, heated and/or scented creams and lotions applied gently can make for wonderful sensations.

Hygienic Equipment-Ultra violet lights, antibacterial solutions, and germ-killing cleaning agents for chairs, tables, and pedicure stations let clients know that they will not sacrifice cleanliness by visiting your salon. Sanitizing tools and providing proper disposal of tools that cannot be reused should be a matter of routine for every manicurist.

Wide Variety of Nails and Polishes-Having a wide variety of polishes and nails will do much to create "buzz" about your shop. Beautiful nails will do much of the advertising for you even without your customer being aware of it. Having your nails look beautiful enough to make others ask where they were done will not only help you make a repeat customer, but will send many new clients your way.

Nail Salon Air Purifier-Unfortunately, many of the products used in nail salons created chemical fumes and odors that smell very unpleasant when entering the shop. These fumes are not only unpleasant, but are harmful when inhaled for long periods of time.

Cleaning up the air in your shop by constantly filtering out the chemical odors and fumes is another way to put your salon ahead of the rest of the nail salons in your town. It is also a great way to recruit talented manicurists.

In order to be effective in a nail salon, an air purifier needs to be able to absorb chemicals with a carbon based filter with an additive that is effective at removing these fumes. It also needs to use a HEPA (or high efficiency particle arresting) filter that can remove fine particles generated by filing and sanding nails.

This type of filtration is also capable of removing normal indoor pollutants such as dust, mold and mildew spores, pollen and other particulates that are all too typical in indoor air these days. Continuously cleaning the air in your salon with a cleaner designed with nail salons in mind is a proactive way to improve the quality of service you provide.

Gel Nails And Acrylic Nails - NAIL SALON

Artificial nails are recommended for you if you want to have longer nails instantly or that you want to have a set of more beautiful nails. There are two types of artificial nails, gel nails and acrylic nails.
Acrylic nails appeared earlier than gel nails in the market. Acrylic is formed by mixing a monomer and a polymer. The thick liquid is then applied to natural nails as artificial nails. Acrylic is a very strong and robust substance. Hence, when applied correctly and with proper care, acrylic nails can last a long time without breaking. However, some people may find some difficulty accepting the strong-smelling chemicals that are used in the application and removal process of acrylic nails. The prices of acrylic nails are usually slightly lower as compared to gel nails.

Gel nails are newer in the market. Gel nails are made up of premixed polymer and monomer gel that is applied to natural nails. The gel nails are then cured in two ways. The light cured gel nails are cured by exposing them to ultra violet rays after application. The no-light gel nails are cured with a gel activator that is brushed or sprayed onto the nails and dipped in water for a few minutes. They do not require strong-smelling chemicals to apply or remove, but gels nails are not as strong and hard as acrylic nails. The main advantage of gel nails over acrylic nails is they look much more natural than the latter. Often, they are even mistaken for natural nails and can even be worn without nail polish whereas acrylic nails look better when painted.

Gel nails do have their disadvantages too. Other than not being as long-lasting as acrylic nails, gel nails tend to be more expensive. It is also noted that nail polish tend to adhere better to acrylic nails than gel nails. When acrylic nail breaks, you can almost always fix it back yourself temporarily.

However, when gel nail breaks, it is usually quite impossible to fix it yourself and you would have to go back to your manicurist. Both acrylic and gel nails have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is up to the individual to choose which is more suitable for you.

While we want our nails to look perfect and beautiful, it is important to note that artificial nails should not be worn for a prolonged period of time, or else the natural nails will be suffocated and deprived of the chance to breathe freely. Do go to qualified and reputable manicurists who are skilled and experienced to do artificial nails.

If the nails are not glued properly and there are gaps between the artificial nails and natural nails, it may result in discolorations. Gaps are moist and warm environments which encourage the growth of bacteria and fungi, and could eventually result in nail infections. Reputable manicurists will also sanitise their tools regularly.

This is important because while we want to look beautiful, we do not want another customer's fungi to be spread to us in the process.

The Best Way To Remove Acrylic Nails - NAIL SALON

If you are removing acrylic nails it actually is beneficial for you to shield your nails along with the skin around your nails from damage. Thse are the right actions and painless techniques used when completing the process of taking away acrylic nails. You must not pry, tear or try to chew off of your acrylic nails. The subsequent steps outline the processes in depth.

To begin with you actually are going to need to get one hundred percent genuine acetone. Acetone is an natural composite and is the recommended item used to detach acrylic nails correctly. You really can buy acetone at your nearby drug shop and / or beauty supply shop and it's relatively easy on the pocket. Make sure you handle the acetone with extraordinary caution. Acetone is a relatively dangerous product and should preferably not be in reach of adolescents or any household pets.

Make absolutely sure you have a nail file ready as it will be a very important tool needed to take out your acrylic nails. You will also have a need for vaseline petroleum at the time of the procedure. Vaseline is applied to shield your skin throughout the removing of acrylic nails. Additionaly you will require an old glass bowl in which you will pour the acetone.

The bowl needs to be made of glass and never ever can be made of plastic. Help to make sure that the particular glass bowl you utilize is something you can throw out immediately after using it to get rid of your acrylic nails. The glass bowl is certainly mandatory because if you make an attempt to use a plastic-made bowl the acetone would really melt that plastic bowl.

Now that you have the acetone, nail file, vaseline along with the glass jar you would need to get a hold of 2 bathroom towels and arrange 1 large towel on a work desk and set the glass dish down right on top of the hand towel. File all your nails all the way down as short as you would be able to. It is actually now the time to pour the acetone straight into the dish. Fill the acetone at least one inch deep inside the bowl. The subsequent thing to do is coating your skin close to your nails using vaseline. It's crucial considering that the vaseline does indeed protect your skin area from damages due to the actual acetone.

You should at this time pick up the other bathroom towel and position the bathroom towel on top of your hands and fingers with all your acrylic nails facing downwards in the direction of the bowl. The simple reason for the towel on top of your hands as well as acrylic nails would be that the acetone is actually very strong and can make you nauseous. Your towel helps to keep the fumes in and makes the procedure substantially simpler. What you will have to do immediately is place your acrylic nails inside of the acetone pan and what you should have is your nails inside the bowl having a towel over your hands and nails keeping out all of the fumes from your face. You actually are going to maintain your acrylic nails within the acetone bowl for 10 recommended minutes. Exactly what you are doing at this point is putting your own nails inside the acetone solvent. The actual acetone is reducing the acrylic product away of your nails.

You will remove your acrylic nails outside of the bowl and furthermore begin to file down and clean off this dissolved layer on your nails. You will definitely recognize that your acrylic over the nails is beginning to just turn gooey and is starting to melt off. You may now put the nails again in the acetone container for 4 min's at a time. Every several minutes you'll just take your nails and scrape the rest of the layers and buff all of them with the nail file.

After the acrylic is almost completely cleared from your nails you possibly can oil, polish and sculpt your nails. I tend to suggest that you allow a lean layer of acrylic and utilize a buffer to smooth out your nails. The thin layer will shield your nails and aid in making sure your nail polish stays on. Thoroughly clean your hands absolutely free of the Vaseline petroleum. You now will want to dry off your nails and dispose of the acetone in addition to the bowl carefully. At this time you may let your beautiful nails grow out wholesome and damage free.

Nailed! The Truth Behind Discount Nail Salons - NAIL SALON

There are discount nail salons on just about every corner these days and a great deal of competition within the industry.
Salons that are higher in price are now going out of their way to specialize in different, branded systems that are inventive in the different ways they offer you to take care of your nails.

With Nail Salons on every corner, how do you pick the right one for you? There are many different types of Nail Salons, from your basic services to full out Retreats for weekends in the bed of luxury.
How can you tell which one is right for what you want done?

You might enjoy paying less to have your fills done, but the cost of the product used to do that fill is still the same.All nail salons use the same kinds of products to work on your nails, so there really won't be much difference in the type of products found in any salon you might visit. However, there ARE different brands available for each product type.

If the nail salon you are going to uses a name brand product such as O.P.I, China Gaze, Creativespa,LECHAT Color Gel, Solar Oil, even at wholesale prices, the products cost about the same at either high end or low end Salons, so what extra value are you getting if you visit a more expensive nail salon?

What you are getting at a higher cost Salon are typically better services, benefits and in some cases, more personal care and attention. One of those benefits may be cleaner air.Indoor air pollution from the chemicals in nail products can be one of the biggest problems for those who have breathing problems, but still want to get their nails done. If you are getting your nails done at a higher end salon,there is a good chance that they have an air filter or fans or other air cleaners to stop the smell of acrylics from burning your nose or eyes when you walk in the door.

Many additional services are being offered at higher end Salons, other than just your basic acrylic overlays with tips, and simple manicures and pedicures. When we asked clients about the best Salons they had patronized, they said there were differences in what the place looked like, but even when it wasn't called a Day Spa it was just a step down from it. Here is a common list of services offered by higher end nail salons.

o Spa-level Manicures, o Spa-level Pedicures, o Natural Nail Care, o Silk/Cotton/Linen Nail Wraps, o Nail Art beyond simple one color flowers, o Full Sets, o Gel Overlays, o Massage Legs, Arms, Hands o Organic and Botanical products for Pedicures, o Reflexology.

The whole atmosphere is different at a higher end nail salon. There is no rushing to get your nails done, with your cuticles being roughed up because technicians are filing quickly because they must do many more manicures a day to make a living wage.

Each nail technician in a higher-end salon should be dressed for success or wear a smock with the nail salon's name on it.They are typically not gossiping among themselves about other clients and not speaking to each other in languages other than English. Salon clients consulted in the preparation of this article made a very strong recommendation that one language should be spoken when there are clients in the room and technicians should wear little or no jewelry.

All these different services are going to cost more and there is no way around that fact. For those who don't need more than just a fill every two weeks, these benefits may mean nothing, but for those who want more, it's going to cost more.

After asking different salon owners and those who get manicures and pedicures done regularly, all say one word: " Sanitation." The biggest difference between higher priced and discount Nail Salons is the level of cleanliness of the whole Salon, including the equipment and technicians. This should be the most basic criteria of choice.

Based on that, if you can't decide whether you want to go to a discount nail salon or one that is higher priced, then here are a few additional ideas to might help you decide.

When you walk into a nail salon, either discount or higher in price, stop and look around. Are the floors dirty or does the carpet have big stains on it? What do the nail technicians look like? Do they look unkempt or have nails of their own that look like they need work? Are their stations disorganized and untidy? If this is what you are seeing, then the best thing you could do is just turn and walk away.

A health inspector we interviewed said that when she visited a particular nail salon, her first impression was that it looked clean, and the prices was reasonable. Then she began her close examination. What she saw was down right scary for the salon's customers. The whirlpool for pedicures wasn't properly disinfected between each use, and the foot baths provided the perfect environment for the growth of dangerous bacteria. When tested, the bacteria growing in the footbaths could have caused someone a major skin infection. Unfortunately, official inspectors regularly inspecting Salon premises are not as common as it once was. If the possibility of infection is something you are worried about,then a higher end nail salon would be a better choice because they can afford to take better care of their equipment and are typically more conscious of the welfare of their clients.

Today you can buy your own simple equipment for your nail technician to use on your nails and no one else's. Many technicians use nail files that are single use. You can ask for them if that is something you would rather have used on your nails.

Nail technicians are there to give a service. If they do a great job, please don't to forget to tip them - they have to eat too.

If you are not sure which Salon to patronize, ask your friends or family or work colleagues for recommendations about where they go to get their nails done. If you see someone with nails that you admire, don't hesitate to ask them for a recommendation to their favorite Salon. Go with your friends and see their favorite salons for yourself, before having any work on done on your own nails.

Which Salon you choose should be based on many if not most of the ideas we have mentioned above, and on your income, where you live, and what you want done. Only you can decide what you are willing to pay to have the luxury of getting your nails and toes done.

A Look at Nail Salon Equipment - NAIL SALON

The type of equipment required for a nail salon is different than that of a salon that solely offers hair styling services. This equipment can be just as costly as outfitting a hair salon, depending on the style of the pieces and materials used in manufacturing nail salon equipment.

There are several pieces of specific equipment that will typically be utilized in a nail salon. A manicure table is the most common piece of nail salon equipment found in virtually all nail salons.
A manicure table is similar to a common desk and it allows a nail technician an ample, steady surface area to perform work on a client's nails. Basic manicure tables feature storage drawers, a padded hand rest for comfort, and swivel casters.
Additional features of higher-end manicure tables include vents, built in electrical outlets, and polish racks.

Typically, manicure tables are made of a wood laminate for durability and easy cleaning. Nail dryers are a separate piece of nail salon equipment that are often placed on a manicure table to allow the client to fully dry their nails after receiving a fresh coat of polish.

Manicure tables are available through a large number of retailers and can vary in price from under $100 to over $1,000. The price is usually dependent on the features the table offers and the materials it's made of.

A pedicure spa is a staple in salons that offer pedicure services. Pedicure spas are designed to offer a client extreme comfort while a nail technician performs a pedicure. Pedicure spa systems typically consist of a padded chair for extra comfort that often features a rolling back massage.

These chairs are attached to a foot spa where the client can indulge in soaking their feet, prior to receiving their nail treatment. Foot spas often feature jets that offer a full foot and lower leg massage for ultimate relaxation. New pedicure spas typically cost between $3,000 and $4,000.

An additional piece of nail salon equipment that is used in conjunction with a pedicure spa is a technician's stool. This low stool allows the nail technician to face the client and provide nail treatment. These small pedicure stools are often easily adjusted to the correct height for each technician and client.

Nail salon equipment varies from extremely basic, inexpensive, equipment to costly high-end equipment featuring the latest in accessories. As with new equipment, there is also a high demand for used nail salon equipment. Used nail salon equipment may be a good option for a salon owner who is just starting out or values simplicity.

Used nail salon equipment can offer huge cost savings to the buyer. When buying used equipment it is important to ensure that all adjustment mechanisms and electrical parts are in proper working order prior to making a purchase.

Nail Salon Hygiene - What Nail Artists Don't Tell While You're Getting Your Nails Done - NAIL SALON

I recently came across a fairly disturbing study on nail salon hygiene conducted by Choice magazine.

In this study, a group of lucky nail salon shadow shoppers was asked to visit professional nail salons and report on their hygiene levels.
Over 50 nail salons were visited and, according to the study, more than a third of the salons visited were found to be unsatisfactory, with their main complaints being bad hygiene standards, poor customer service and shoddily done manicures.

Upon entering the salon, the participants were instructed to request a complete manicure, tell the nail artist that they had never had a professional manicure done before, then ask the salon professional to describe what the process entailed.
After the session was over, each of the participants were asked to fill a questionnaire, reporting on various aspects of their experience - levels of hygiene observed, how long the manicure took and how much it cost and whether the experience was satisfactory or not.

According to the report, 92% of the technicians who attempted to use metal cuticle clippers on the shadow shoppers didn't put on gloves.

Even worse, they did not use an implement that was package-sealed, even though half of the nail technicians claimed the instrument had been autoclaved (autoclaving is the process of heating water above boiling point in a pressurized device - it is the safest way to sterilize equipment).

The shoppers also reported several hygiene breaches on equipment such as nail files and buffers, which should either be disposable or cleaned between clients. A few salons had surfaces that weren't cleaned between clients and were covered in dust, or even pieces of skin. In one salon, a technician kept her dirty implements in the cash drawer.

Some of the actual comments from the survey participants regarding the low hygiene levels they experienced were as follows:

"The technician picked up the metal scissors ... used on someone else's feet ... she used them to cut some skin from around her own nail. She then went to use them on me."

"This salon had an overpowering smell that burnt my throat and made me feel ill."

"The technicians washed the handtowels in the foot spas."

"Counters and floors were dirty, instruments reused and technicians did not wash their hands at all."

"The technician had open wounds on her hands. I asked her to put gloves on."

Although different state departments of health have their own guidelines for health and safety that nail artists are supposed to follow, a basic requirement of infection control is hand washing - either with soap and water, or a 70% alcohol (or alcohol and chlorhexidine) rub. According to basic hygiene guidelines, both the nail artist and their clients should clean their hands before a manicure.

According to the reports submitted by the shadow shoppers, the majority weren't asked to wash their hands before the treatment, and only 8% of nail technicians were actually observed washing their hands directly before starting the manicure. 64% of nail salon workers didn't wash their hands and in 28% of the visits, the shoppers reported not being sure whether the nail technician had cleaned their hands or not.

What To Look For In A Nail Salon

Here are some of the things you look for when visiting a nail salon:

- Use only accredited salons and technicians and look for certifications of competency, which should be displayed prominently in the salon.

- The salon should be clean and tidy, with linen and towels changed between clients.

- All chemicals should be in clearly marked containers.

- Metal tools that could penetrate the skin should be sterilized in an autoclave.

- Non-disposable nail implements should be rinsed, scrubbed in tepid water and detergent and dried, or wiped with 70% alcohol between clients.

- Some nail salons keep implements especially set aside for each regular client. You should ask your nail technician to do this for you, if you are a regular client of a nail salon.

- Nail implements need to be clean and dry. Don't let anyone use an implement on you that's been left sitting in water, even if the water contains disinfectant.

- Don't use a foot spa if you've shaved your legs the night before or on the day of the pedicure, of if you have any cuts on your legs, as this makes you more vulnerable to infection.

- If you are having acrylic nails put on, ask your nail artist to explain the procedure, what products they're going to use and how to care for the nails at home.

- Don't be shy to ask questions about the manicure, the chemicals being used and how the implements have been cleaned.

The salon I normally go to is very professional and clean, the technicians are highly competent and certified and all procedures are explained in great detail when asked. So, I went ahead and pampered myself for almost an hour and got myself some beautiful nails (included in the manicure was a nail bath, filing and buffing and cuticle work) and a massage. Maybe next time I'll go for nail tattoos or those Tammy Taylor nails!

Typical Nail Salon Services - NAIL SALON

When you are looking for a good nail salon in your area you need to consider what nail salon services you'll be using. Let's say today you want a manicure because you are going out with friends and what to look that little extra special. If the salon you use specializes in manicures and offers no other services then that might be okay for you. But what if you will be wearing open toed shoes and need a pedicure too! Then you'll have to find a nail salon that does both pedicures and manicures.

Fortunately most salons offer a variety of nail salon services so you should never run into this situation. A traditional salon should offer a variety of manicure packages ranging from a simple manicure to hand soaking and complex nail art along with the corresponding pedicure packages.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that these services can be customized to fit your particular needs and you don't just have to order from the menu. If you ask for something special you should be accommodated and usually at a very small additional cost if any. Good salons want to keep you coming back so most try and be as accommodating as possible.

Services should include as a minimum a traditional manicure. A traditional manicure consists of a hand massage with a lotion or cream selected by the manicurist. At higher end spas a much higher quality lotion or cream is used and is usually reflected in the price of the manicure.

The more exclusive the nail salon tends to be the higher the quality of product used. If someone is willing to pay a higher price for a manicure it better sure be worth the additional cost. The client wants to feel like they are getting something that the average person is not. It is the manicurist's job to make them feel like they are.

Along with a hand massage a traditional manicure should include removing of old nail polish, cuticle trimming, the application of cuticle oil, and a top coat of nail polish. In today's nail salon services, nail art is a popular offering. Some people like to wear nail art year round while others prefer to "splurge" for the holidays, sporting events, or other special occasions. What ever your preference, a good nail salon should be able to accommodate you.

A traditional pedicure is also another service that your typical nail salon should be able to offer you. A traditional pedicure should first offer a foot cleanse and soak in a sanitized bowl or sink. Once the foot soak is complete any existing polish should be removed followed by cuticle trimming and the application of cuticle oil. Excess skin from the bottom of the feet and toes is then removed using a rasp, file or an abrasive solution. Depending on how much skin needs to be removed will dictate the method most pedicurists will use.

For those who get a regular pedicure the abrasive lotion or cream with be most effective. If you go once a year, then you may be exposed to the rasp or file. Most pedicurists will go a step further and massage the ankles and calf area as added bonus to make you feel like you've had that spa experience. The finish once again includes a nail polish and nail art if you so choose.

There are many additional nail salon services available in today's market including acrylic nails, gel nails, airbrushing, and jewels glued to the nail art. Depending on the skill and competency of the nail salon you choose, you make be offered a variety of nail salon services. You need to decide for yourself what you want or need and then find the nail salon that works for you.